Bar Scabbard suggestions

[cookies]

I own one 18" stihl bar cover, seems to stay on pretty good in the back of the truck or behind the seat.
I'd like to get a 28" and a couple 20"
to my eye other brands appear to fit into a case and the stihls do not require a case to lock on
im looking for others experiences using other brands of scabbards, or if I should just get more of the same.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

I have the newer shape Stihl versions from about 14 to 36 inch- over here they are all the same price- regardless of length.
As you say, the centre section grabs the bar and the outer flares accommodate the chain. Less likely to chain shave on removal, seem thicker more durable plastic than other offerings- but not totally scar proof.
I own many saws from other makers- but most all of them travel wearing Stihl scabbards.

 

[sundance]

My non-Stihl saws all wear Stihl scabbards. I like 'em.

 

[Gabriel]

My old McCulloch uses two courses of delicately trimmed cardboard from an amazon box, held together with precisely placed wraps of generic duct tape. When it has run it's course it doubles as kindling for the burn barrel. Cardboard soaked in bar oil and saw dust is an awesome fire starter.

 

[muddy42]

Or make some out of PVC pipe, which can be moulded with a heat gun to fit any bar.

 

[Gabriel]

THat totally works, I made a scabbard for a big heavy machete about 10 years ago by flattening out a length of pipe with a heat gun. Still works.

 

[SimonHS]

Some people use old canvas or rubber fire hose:

https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/firehose-bar-covers.48260/

@Philbert might have some good info.

 

[Old2stroke]

2 pieces of panel board separated by rope and bonded together with structural adhesive

 

[Philbert]

I tried several things when I could not get appropriate scabbards: thin plywood with wood spacers, corrugated plastic from old political signs, fire hose, etc.

I did not like the fire hose that I got, because it was plastic lined, and held moisture: I was concerned about rust. Other guys really like the all cotton style fire hose.

In recent years, it’s been easier to find longer, plastic scabbards. I don’t care which brand: STIHL Husqvarna, no brand, etc.

I don’t care if they’re orange or black. They are just simpler and easier to use, if available, cut down to the correct length.

On my pole saws, I added bungee cords or straps, to keep those from flying off when transported in the back of a truck.

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

Posted these before. I mentioned the ‘tethers’ on the pole saws, if concerned about them falling off.

Philbert

 

[cookies]

Lots of great replies and ideas of do it yourself versions using common stuff laying around!
I was considering the husqvarna versions because they are cheaper than the stihl versions via ordering but I worry they might blow away in the truck bed or fall off hanging down from the handle ...I still need to inquire at the local saw shop to see what they charge for them.

 

[moxiemaul]

When my dad gave me his old 24" Homelite, it had a heavy canvas scabbard which was a pita. Awkward to fit- snagging on the teeth and had folds that needed straightening to get it on so I tossed it in favor of a plastic one. I like the scabbards that offer a tight fit to the bar- and the lanyard like above is a great idea. I've been putting a bit of surveyors twine on them and tying it off to the handle.

I poke a few holes into the ends of the scabbards so when I hang the saws any oil that drips down into them can drain and not pour out awkwardly later on when I take down the saws for a job.

 

[Philbert]

I worry they might blow away in the truck bed or fall off hanging down from the handle

Not a new concern. The bungee cord tethers were not a completely original idea: I recall seeing yellow, plastic (McCulloch?) scabbards from the 1970’s (?) with small springs attached, to keep them on the saw.

Punch / drill a hole, attach a loop, and use a piece of bootlace, or whatever, to hold it on the saw.

If your saws get confused, take a magic marker and write ‘STIHL’ on the scabbards.

Philbert